Recently updated on June 10th, 2020 at 05:25 pm
As natural and as varied as the continent, South American food has been defined by its different climates and cultures. The countries of South America are rich in produce such as beef, pork, fruit, grains, medicinal plants and root vegetables; all of which have become staples in South American cooking. Add to that, the cultural influences from the continent’s European and Asian immigrants, and you can begin to understand how South American food has carved its path to culinary fame.
South America food map
To help you prepare your appetite for your trip to South America, we’ve created a South American food map, so you can plan your culinary tour of the continent.
Ceviche in Lima, Peru
The best place to eat Peru’s n national dish, is undoubtedly in the culinary capital of Lima, but you can find this fresh-tasting dish across the country in restaurants or food markets. Made from chunks of raw fish ‘cooked’ in a citrus marinade with chillies and red onion, ceviche is a delicious, fresh dish that you simply must try whilst in Peru.
Explore Lima’s restaurant scene on the Highlights of Peru.
Alfajores in Cordoba, Argentina
Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel spread, consumed all across South America in cakes, biscuits and desserts. Argentineans love dulce de leche and a typical Argentinean sweet treat are alfajores. These little round sandwich biscuits come in different variations, but always have a delicious layer of dulce de leche in the middle.
Chocolate in Bariloche, Argentina
Known as “the Switzerland of South America”, it’s no surprise that the beautiful area of Bariloche is also famous for chocolate. Visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about the area’s history of making chocolate and sample some of the locally made chocolate as you go.
Indulge on a chocolate tasting on the South America Landscapes.
Choripan in Patagonia, Argentina
Choripan is a popular Argentinean sandwich with thick and smoky chorizo. The pork sausage is usually grilled on an asado bbq, before being served inside a long bread roll and dressed with chimichurri sauce. Choripan is a popular street food across the country, but the quality is particularly good from the farm country around Patagonia.
Empanadas in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Thought to have been brought over to the continent from the Spanish and Portuguese, empanadas are found in various forms all over South America. However, these tasty little pastries are at their best in Argentina. Great for a quick snack or cheap lunch, meat-eaters must try the classic empanada with beef, but in Buenos Aires it’s easy to find a meat-free version with corn, cheese, spinach and tuna.
Steak in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentine steak is renowned worldwide for being the best quality that you can get. This is largely due to the free-range lifestyle and grazing conditions of the cattle in the low land Pampas. Argentina’s capital is famous for high quality steak houses, so when you visit Buenos Aires, make sure to savour every bite of your juicy steak, during your Regional Meal and Tango performance.
Enjoy this on the Best of South America and Impressions of South America trip.
Pisco sours in Pisco, Peru
Pisco Sour is the national cocktail of Peru, so popular with Peruvians that it has it’s very own annual National Pisco Sour Day to celebrate. Made up of the local spirit, Pisco (a grape brandy), egg white, lemon juice and sugar syrup, Pisco Sours can be ordered across Peru and Chile, but to drink the finest Pisco in the country, visit Bodega El Catador in Ica to learn about how the spirit is made in the area and sample it from the source.
Experience this on the Land of the Inca trip.
Wine in Chile
Chile is the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world, with numerous varieties in its repertoire. There’s nothing better than sipping a Chilean Merlot or Chardonnay in the picturesque wineries, surrounded by the Andes mountains. Visit Casablanca winery close to Santiago, to meet the local winemaker, and enjoy a personalised tour, lunch and wine-tasting.
Chicha in Cusco, Peru
Chicha is the favourite drink of the Andes, made from fermented, or non-fermented, maize, grains or fruit. Try the local drink when you visit a local chicheria in the Sacred Valley, for a traditional chicha tasting.
Experience this on the Land of the Incas.
Churrasco steak in Brazil
Churrasco is the term used in Brazil for grilled or barbecued meat. Like in neighbouring Argentina, Brazilians love a churrascaria, taking pride in their grilled steaks. Dine at a local churrascaria and try the traditional grill yourself, on the South America Revealed.
Caipirinhas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Made with cachaça alcohol, sugar, lime and lots of mint, the Caipirinha is Brazil’s most famous and refreshing drink. Picture yourself sitting in the comfort of your hotel or bar, overlooking a Copacabana Beach and sipping an ice cold Caipirinha…bliss!
Learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha on the South America Revealed.
Feijoada in Brazil
Known as Brazil’s national dish, feijoada is a spicy pork and bean casserole, with a distinctly smoky flavour. It’s a very hearty meal, but if you get a chance to try the popular local dish for a lunch or dinner, we highly recommend it.
Working up an appetite? Find out more about our trips to South America and start planning your Real South American food tour today. Tell us about your favourite South American food and drink below!